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Seafoaming

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 1:31 pm
by Jfridge92
So I got a can of seafoam just to see what I can clean out of the Buick. I've heard the brake booster is the easiest way to get it into the engine (I'll also be running it in the oil and gas tank) so I think that's the line I'll be using.

However, I'm a little confused on one part. I read somewhere that you pour the seafoam into the BB line slowly, and then when it's just about to the last of the portion being used you pour it really fast so that it stalls the car out. Then you wait about 20 minutes, add it to the gas and oil during the wait, and fire it back up. Let it smoke, then drive it after the smoke goes down a little.

So, the question is am I really supposed to stall it out like I read, or just pour it slowly until the Brake Booster portion of the can is gone?

Thanks,

Joseph

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 2:04 pm
by 00Beast
Don't use the Booster line, it's too big of a vacuum leak, it almost kills the engine. Use one of the smaller lines.

Yes, you need to kill the engine once you are done. You let the line suck the seafoam in, not pour it in. Get a plastic cup to pour the seafoam in then let the line suck it out. You then stall the engine and let it sit for a while for it to penetrate into the carbon built up on the pistons, etc. Then do the smoke-show.

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 2:34 pm
by wdudetocool
wow sounds dramatic.......yikes!!!

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 6:01 pm
by Boreas
Do it out where there isn't a lot of people, or inform your neighbors in advance if they have a twitchy 911 finger.

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:55 am
by swampthing
I usually use the booster line as well due to its ease of removal and the fact it doesn't crack or anything. I just take my thumb and cover about half the hole and tip the can and allow the suction to do the rest, if it starts to stall I cover the hole completely til it catches up.

A word of caution on using it in the oil, due to its detergent properties its only recommended to put it in if you are planning on changing the oil the same day, otherwise bad things could happen

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:35 am
by 93 SSE 4 ME
Just insert a smaller diameter piece of vacuum tubing into the booster line and seal it with some tape. I don't 'pour' the Seafoam into the vac line, I actually let the vacuum draw it in in quick dips into the Seafoam. After half a can, I let the line drown in it, which kills the engine. Let the car sit ~10 minutes before you restart it and enjoy the smoke show. The link below is very informative. http://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=35053

Mark

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 3:10 pm
by swampthing
Forgot I had a can laying around and decided to do my Bonneville today, very interesting results but I will post in my own thread about that

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 4:12 pm
by Bing
I thought that doing it through the vacuum or intake tract will trash a O2 sensor in a fast hurry.

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sat Jan 28, 2012 4:19 pm
by 00Beast
It can, yes.

I also concur, don't leave it in the oil. Pour some in, drive 100 miles or so, then change the oil.

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:07 am
by Jfridge92
An oil change will be following it almost immediately, I'm just about due for one anyway.

And a new O2 sensor is in need as well, it still has the original on it at 115,xxx mi :roll:

Edit: Add a new starter to that list :banghead:

Ed, which vac line do you recommend using if not the brake booster? I know there are other smaller ones, but ones like the FPR line or which will be the best in your opinion?

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:21 am
by 00Beast
I would use the one coming from the TB to the EVAP system.

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:32 am
by Bing
I thought I would bring up the O2 sensor for others that are lurking the post, so all the info is out there for them. :)

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 11:26 am
by Jfridge92
It's a good thing to know, Bing, as I wouldn't have thought to change it afterwards. But now I know haha.

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 11:34 am
by wake
dont forget to check that fuel filter and pull a spark plug or two while your at it..

regular maintenance and what not :bhuh: :lol:

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:01 pm
by 38kronik00

:bluetwitch: Water?? I would never have thought to use water...WHY WATER lol

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:17 pm
by 00Beast
By the time it hits your pistons it's steam, and it blows the carbon off. It's been around for a long time.

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:53 pm
by Jfridge92
Lucas, the fuel filter and plugs are practically new (did the plugs roughly 7k ago with the intake) and the fuel filter a few weeks back :wink: But yes, good maintenance habits are a must!

Thanks for all the suggestions so far guys!

PS, anyone know a good source for the gear reduced starters? None of the bone yards have any around me, and I figured I'd ask first before I drop 100+ on one from Rockauto...

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:35 pm
by 00Beast
Haro?

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 8:54 pm
by Jfridge92
PM is sent, but I figured I'd ask in case he doesn't have any, but with the selection he's got I'd assume he probably does haha.

Edit* starter is ordered from Andrew, so it looks like I have some fun projects coming up!

Re: Seafoaming

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 11:09 am
by Mad Myche
38kronik00 wrote:Water?? I would never have thought to use water...WHY WATER lol
If you've ever watched cooking shows, after they have seared something in a pan they will 'de-glaze' the pan with water or other low boiling point liquids. The water instantly vaporizes on contact and brings the 'flavor" deposits into suspension.

Very similar to water into the intake; it removes the deposits as it contacts the back of the intake valves.